Paddy Pimblett explains the mental struggles he has faced ahead of his fight at UFC 304 this weekend.
The Liverpool fighter also revealed how he almost pulled out of the event by his coaches.
Pimblett is facing Bobby Green this weekend at Manchester’s Co-op arena.
Paddy Pimblett Reveals Mental Health Struggles
Paddy ‘the baddy’ has always been an advocate for mental health problems. The lightweight has actively encouraged people to speak out and get the help they need. Currently coming off a unanimous victory win over Tony Ferguson, Pimblett will be hoping to beat Bobby Green in Manchester.
Speaking to Sky Sports Paddy Pimblett said; “Like five weeks ago I was thinking this is the worst camp of my life. A few things went wrong; even a few weeks ago personally it was dragging me down (depression).”
The lightweight went on to say; “About four/five weeks ago my coach was thinking of pulling me out. Mentally I wasn’t all there and I thought that this would be the worst fight camp of my life until a few weeks ago.”
After Paddy Pimblett was seen celebrating England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the Euros final, the abuse escalated. ‘The baddy’ said; “The day after the final I put a picture of my wife and kids. Some of the comments really p****d me off because they have nothing to do with fighting. You have to stay positive.”
Pimblett also revealed that why he shares his mental health struggles with the media. He said; “I need to share this because other people don’t. I’ll probably mention it in the cage. Two years ago when I mentioned it the charities revealed a surge in calls they received it got people speaking up.”
“Just before I started my training camp another young MMA fighter called Connor Hitchens killed himself. He is younger than me; it is becoming an epidemic again. I would rather have people talk than taking their own life. If you talk to someone it can take that weight off your shoulders.”
“I think anyone in my situation with a few followers and platform would be doing this. A lot of people don’t open up with this sort of stuff. I might as well use my platform for good.”
Pimblett on Training Camp
Despite all the struggles Paddy Pimblett has had this training camp he revealed it was probably this is his best one. The lightweight said; “I haven’t underestimated Bobby Green. I’m in the shape of my life lad and I’m peaking that the right time everything feels brilliant.
“The camp has been great everything kicked into gear at the right time. Nobody could beat me on Saturday night. The past couple of week’s I’ve been on fire.
“Pads I’m on fire, rolling grappling I’ve never been so strong. I’ve done my fight simulations and conditioning three five minute rounds. In the third round I felt stronger than the first. My sparring partners are telling me that how strong I feel and how dominant I’m being.”
Who do you think will win this fight Paddy Pimblett or Bobby Green? comment below!
